The StrataFlix Sample documentation indicates that it uses an MDI interface, but I am confused by a couple of properties of the FlixMain form.  The property named "IsMdiContainer" is false and "ShowInTaskbar" is true.  I expected "IsMdiContainer" to be true and I am confused by the meaning of "ShowInTaskbar".  What properties actually cause a form to be an MDI form?

Do most developers prefer MDI forms?

Sam Tenney

Hi Sam.

StrataFlix is meant to be a sample of things you can accomplish, but you can choose many different ways. The properties you are asking about are simple sets that were chosen for this sample. Since MDI is not set for that main form, the forms you call from it will be independent and the ShowInTaskBar is only what it means, the main form will be shown in the Windows Taskbar. As for what to choose, it may vary from project to project or preferences. Here is a wiki link about the subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_document_interface

Cheers.

Thanks Ivan,

I am still confused by the fact that the instructions that came with the StrataFlix sample indicate that StrataFlix implements an MDI interface and yet IsMdiContainer is set to false.  I am just trying to understand the correct way to implement an MDI interface using StrataFrame and apparently based on the StrataFlix sample, setting IsMdiContainer to true must not be the correct way.

Hi Sam,

The mainform is not set as mdicontainer in the properties, but it implements a MdiClient control in code.

In the region private fields:

Private WithEvents _MDIClient As New MdiClient()

And then:

Protected Overrides Sub OnLoad(ByVal e As System.EventArgs)

MyBase.OnLoad(e)

'-- Set the MDI backcolor to white

_MDIClient.BackColor = Drawing.Color.White

'-- Add the MDI

Me.Controls.Add(_MDIClient)

End Sub

This way you can control the mdi better, setting the back color and more.

/Teddy

Thanks Teddy,

That was the information I was looking for.